An Association between Changes in Daily Life Caused by COVID-19 and Quality of Life among The Korean Elderly

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of changes in daily life caused by COVID-19 on quality of life among the Korean elderly. Methods: The subjects of this study are select from the 2021 Community Health Survey (CHS) taken from 74,492 respondents aged 65 or older. Results: Authors found changes in daily life caused by COVID-19 and quality of life, the happiness index and European quality of life 5 dimensions 3 level version (EQ-5D-3L) index were higher when it was possible to rest at home when coughing with fever, when living restriction score affected by COVID-19 was small, and when being vaccinated for COVID-19. Among the factors influencing quality of life, the happiness index was indicated by living restriction score affected by COVID-19, frequency of physical activities, and frequency of drinking status. The EQ-5D-3L index was indicated by COVID-19 vaccination experience. Conclusions: The results of this study show the importance of actively maintaining health behaviors despite the COVID-19 pandemic.